Unlikely hydropool will reopen this year
There’s no update on the reopening of the hydrotherapy pool at a local disability service, despite the Disabilities Minister’s hope it would open this year, writes Eddie Butler.
The treatment pool, located at the Hillside Centre in the Rathcorrick area of Cavan Town, has been closed since 2019 due to a lack of funding.
The HSE and Enable Ireland operate from the centre, which works with children with disabilities. The pool was open for only six months but was forced to close after the lifeguard left and funding sources dried up.
Enable Ireland confirmed remedial works are continuing and due to be complete by the end of September.
“The opening of the pool is contingent on funding being available and the successful recruitment and training of a pool attendant,” the statement says.
In a statement to the Celt, the HSE again said it was examining the case and reconfirmed it would be next year before funding is allocated.
“HSE Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo Disability Services will seek to have the necessary funding provided in its 2023 budget allocation through its submission to national HSE via the Estimates Process.”
On a visit to the centre in April, Minister for Disabilities Anne Rabbitte said she was shocked to see the facility closed. She suggested the pool should be opened for a fee to outside groups and organisations who would benefit from its use.
Shortly after, Enable Ireland confirmed to the Celt that it had submitted a business case to the HSE in a bid to secure funding to fill the lifeguard post and cover day-to-day running costs.
The HSE in May confirmed it was examining the case with a view to allocating funding in 2023. This position was later criticised by the Minister who said savings should be found in this year’s budget to allow its reopening.
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